Risk of Pseudogallstones and Biliary Complications in Rehabilitation Patients Administered Ceftriaxone: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the risk of pseudogallstones and biliary tract infections after ceftriaxone administration in patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Methods and Results

This retrospective observational study was conducted from October 2016 to May 2022. During this period, 41 patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions were transferred from a rehabilitation hospital to an acute care facility. Of these, 22 patients were diagnosed with biliary tract infections, and they were included in the study. Data collection focused on patient demographics, antibiotic history, incidence of pseudogallstones, and related biliary complications. The median patient age was 83.5 years, with 45.5% male and 54.5% female patients. The primary reasons for rehabilitation included orthopedic and neurological diseases. A history of antibiotic administration was noted in 63.6% of patients, with 18.2% developing pseudogallstones after ceftriaxone administration. Individual case studies highlighted acute cholangitis and biliary sludge formation following ceftriaxone therapy.

Conclusion

This study identified a significant incidence of pseudogallstones and biliary complications associated with ceftriaxone administration, particularly in elderly patients, patients with immobility, and those with renal impairment. By using ceftriaxone in appropriate patients, the number of patients with biliary tract infections transferred from rehabilitation hospitals to acute-care hospitals can be reduced by 18.2%, thereby improving patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings.